21 replies to this topic

[uneeque]

I just recently found out that I'm around 2 months pregnant and I'm a Quadriplegic. I would like to hear from other pregnant and disable parents to answer questions and just to talk.

I'm loaded with questions.....

Edited by uneeque, 19 August 2009 - 09:19 PM.

[oldquad]

uneeque, on Aug 20 2009, 07:19 AM, said:

I just recently found out that I'm around 2 months pregnant and I'm a Quadriplegic. I would like to hear from other pregnant and disable parents to answer questions and just to talk.

I'm loaded with questions.....

Hello,
Congratulations!! I have been a c5/6 quad for 28 years and have a beautiful 22 year old daughter. I'd be more than happy to answer any queries you may have. My pregnancy at age 26 was both exciting and scary and I think I had just abut every complication possible! At the end of the pregnancy though I had a healthy baby and both of us were safe and well.

[lissalyon]

oldquad, on Aug 20 2009, 07:25 AM, said:

uneeque, on Aug 20 2009, 07:19 AM, said:

I just recently found out that I'm around 2 months pregnant and I'm a Quadriplegic. I would like to hear from other pregnant and disable parents to answer questions and just to talk.

I'm loaded with questions.....

Hello,
Congratulations!! I have been a c5/6 quad for 28 years and have a beautiful 22 year old daughter. I'd be more than happy to answer any queries you may have. My pregnancy at age 26 was both exciting and scary and I think I had just abut every complication possible! At the end of the pregnancy though I had a healthy baby and both of us were safe and well.

My quad friend had a girl 18 months ago. Her biggest problem seemed to be increased spasm as she has a baclofen pump -and getting very hot. They brought the baby early in the end-and all was fine .

[Candi B]

hello! congrats! i am a 27 year old quad (can move my arms, but not my hands) with a 9 month old little boy. I am ok with ANY questions you have and wish i had someone to tell me what i was in for when i was pregnant.

[momsonwheels.net]

uneeque, on Aug 19 2009, 04:19 PM, said:

I just recently found out that I'm around 2 months pregnant and I'm a Quadriplegic. I would like to hear from other pregnant and disable parents to answer questions and just to talk.

I'm loaded with questions.....

Hi! Hope your pregnancy is going good for you. I am a mother of three and I have been in a wheelchair since well before the birth of my first. My experiences have lead me to create a website for others parenting from a wheelchair, www.momsonwheels.net I hope you will find this site helpful. I see that you're from MI, me too=)

[mellowgator]

I TOO HAD MY CHILDREN POST INJURY AND THE PREGENCIES WERE CHALLENGING. THE FIRST ESPECIALLY SINCE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT. I HAD TO WEAR A MONOTER EACH NIGHT AND IF I WAS BUSY DURING THE DAY I'D HAVE CONTRACTIONS AND HAVE TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL. I REALLY WORE MY OBGYN OUT. MY BIRTHS WERE BOTH SCHEDULED. MY 1ST CHILD WAS BREACH AND I HAD TO HAVE A C-SECTION AFTER THE DR.S TRIED TO TURN HER. THE 2ND CHILD WAS A NORMAL DELIVERY. WITH A NURSE PRESSING DOWN AT EACH CONTRACTION. I HAD A BIG VELCRO BELT THAT I'D WEAR AND I'D STRAP THE BABY TO MY WASTE AND ROLL UP INTO MY CAR AND ALL AROUND THE HOUSE. I ALSO PUT THE KIDS IN A STROLLER TO MOVE THEM AROUND THE HOUSE AND TAKE THEM OUT. I ALSO USED A PAPOOSE WHEN THEY WERE STILL LITTLE BABIES. THE KIDS FOR THE MOST PART LISTENED AND DID WHAT I ASKED. ONLY ONCE DID MY DAUGHTER RUN FROM ME AND THAT WAS THE ONE SPANKING SHE EVER GOT. I LIVE ON THE RIVER AND HAVE A POOL SO MY BIGGEST WORRY WAS THE BABIES DROWNING. I HAD NIGHTMARES OVER IT WHILE PREGNANT. I BUILT A FENCE THE BACK OF MY YARD AND BUT A LARGE FENCE AROUND MY POOL. I'LL BE HAPPY TO SHARE MY TOUBLE SHOOTING WITH YOU.

MELLOWGATOR

[allis53ca]

"I'm loaded with questions".....sounds like ure loaded with BABY..good luck, the moms here will give you all the guidance need

[motherdear]

I had my son at age 27 as a C-5 quadriplegic. I've been injured since I was 13 years old and having him was my dream come true! My husband and I tried having another child naturally (but to no avail) and we were blessed through adoption with a second son who is now 13 years old. I also have 3 stepsons and a totally wonderful three-year-old grandson who has down syndrome. I love all my boys! I'd love to share my pregnancy and/or my adoption story with anyone who would like to hear it.

[Quad65]

Another guy in the Peanut Gallery here. My hat's off to you ladies having babies post SCI. I don't think I'd have to guts to try that. We're rooting for you. I did father a wonderful daughter 26+ years ago, though. It was fun placing the order and easier than taking the delivery.

[shawzfun]

Im a C5 quad since Nov 2006, about to hit my 4 yr aniversery. For the past 4 yrs Ive been dead set on NOT having a baby. I just felt that its too much pressure for my bf,who takes care of me and a baby. He has told me that if I want one he doesnt care. My concern is not the pregnancy but for the first year after the babys born. I have a friend that will help during the day.... I just dont kno what todo......

ShAwNa

[The Black Sheep]

Oh boy, I'm starting to hit the age where I'm thinking about children. I've always used the excuse that I don't want them or wouldn't be able to care for one because of my injury. I have no idea how you girls do it. I'm 25 now and my husband is dead set on NOT having kids, but... I'm starting to want one.

I'm sorry that I can't offer much advice in this area, but Congratulations! Some of the mothers here have discussed parenting and birthing in various threads, and they're some of the most encouraging. Good luck and congrats!

[Tetracyclone]

The Black Sheep, on 30 October 2010 - 03:10 PM, said:

Oh boy, I'm starting to hit the age where I'm thinking about children. I've always used the excuse that I don't want them or wouldn't be able to care for one because of my injury. I have no idea how you girls do it. I'm 25 now and my husband is dead set on NOT having kids, but... I'm starting to want one.

I'm sorry that I can't offer much advice in this area, but Congratulations! Some of the mothers here have discussed parenting and birthing in various threads, and they're some of the most encouraging. Good luck and congrats!

hey there BS! I remember well the years of yearning for a child in my late 20s. It was so instinctive- I drempt about being pregnant... It was intense, like craving drugs or chocolate.

If your husband is dead set against procreating then if you had a child it would severely impact your marriage. There is a huge amount to be learned, plus pure joy in being around children. I decided to involve myself heavily as a support person to working parents and it really filled that need. The baby in question is now 29 and keeps up with me as though I were her aunt. She came and spent a week with me after I got home from rehab.

Parents badly need help in this world, so consider offering yourself through friends or in a church setting. You could work day care every Sunday at a church to meet people. Spirit willing, something will click and you will find your very own chid to love, of whom you will be unburdened at bedtime.

Shawnzfun,

Your BF's noncommittal attitude is worrisome. Since he would be responsible for much of the parenting and care-taking it should only be undertaken if he has a passion for having a child. And if he did he would marry you, not stay BF. That is just real life.

He sounds very sweet.

[Izziwhizzi]

Hi Blacksheep

Its time your biological clock gets ticking, you are coming upto your prime 10 years to do the baby thing, and once you have one you'll want another after a bit of rest. 3 years gap is good, so number one is pretty much totally dependant and can do stuff on command (like not run off).

And hubby not being keen, well thats understandable, but its your job to mature him into daddy material. It can be the fear of the unknown.

Many young guys get frightened over the huge responsibility of being a 'great' Dad. Being mediocre is easy, being great takes some working at it.

Get some practice in for both you and him. Break down barriers by getting him used to doing Dad stuff. Start introducing him to girlfriends or rellies with babies, take some kids with him to the park or pictures, volunteer for afternoons or sleep overs at yours where you look after friends kids (opt for the better behaved ones you know you can handle). Friends will be mega grateful for some time off without their kids, and he'll start getting used to having kids in his life.

Don't take no from your fella for an answer. You only have a limited time, kids are fab. You can always borrow mine but I'm a bit far away in the UK. They are 7 and 11 and I could never imagine my life without them or before I had them really understand the utter joy and happiness that they have given me and my fella.

And a T2 can easily totally look after a kid. I have a T3 friend who is virtually a single Mum and has brought up her 2 kids herself.

Good luck

I xx

Edited by Izziwhizzi, 30 October 2010 - 07:44 PM.

[jessicamccoy1983]

I'm 27 yr old c4c5c6 quad and the mom of two little boys. I had both children after my accident. The main thing is you need to find a great doctor that will listen to you. When I was 21 weeks pregnant I was admitted to the hospital. They didn't want me to go into labor at home. I was on a ep.d. the whole time. Contractions push the baby down the birth way through labor so you don't have to have a c section. You'll go through a lot of unexplainable pain as the baby grows. They will probably keep you on all of your meds. Feel free to ask anything.

[Rimless]

Congratulations!!!! I am 57yrs young and been a quad for q bit over 39yrs. Have had two children- both healthy one now 35yrs the other 25yrs.Only medical problem was placenta prebia with first - which can happen to anyone. Second was a normal delivery - no problems or intervention of any kind.Happy to answer any questions.

[guyd]

Izziwhizzi, on 30 October 2010 - 07:43 PM, said:

And hubby not being keen, well thats understandable, but its your job to mature him into daddy material. It can be the fear of the unknown.

Many young guys get frightened over the huge responsibility of being a 'great' Dad. Being mediocre is easy, being great takes some working at it.

Get some practice in for both you and him. Break down barriers by getting him used to doing Dad stuff. Start introducing him to girlfriends or rellies with babies, take some kids with him to the park or pictures, volunteer for afternoons or sleep overs at yours where you look after friends kids (opt for the better behaved ones you know you can handle). Friends will be mega grateful for some time off without their kids, and he'll start getting used to having kids in his life.

Don't take no from your fella for an answer.

as a bloke - you would scare the carp out of me with that attitude. Drown him with horrible other people's snot gobblers who scream? never. My son, who is now 5 months, is perfect (in my rose tinted eyes) - all others are horrible, snotty, ill tempered, screaming, smelly, fat, ugly little snot gobblers - and I dont want anything to do with them - I'm exagerating to make the point, but as a bloke, its a bit different. Im 37 - shes 34 - and we have been trying for 2 years, and I have gotten 'used' to the idea of a child - not splattered with gazillions of random sprogs.

[Izziwhizzi]

lol!! I love to scare you! :-) I'm a tetra who lives her own life that she wants to as much as possible, but not one that others, including doctors, friends and rellies, tell her she has to and conform to. And thank goodness I have that attitude at the moment. Having kids is a doddle in comparison and hyper fulfilling!

All my fella needed to know was that he could hold a baby without dropping it :-)

Your own kids are always wonderful in your own eyes, thats taken for granted, and other kids are harder, but then again seeing others in action you can start to see what you'd like to do different with your own. However that only works till 100% in theory till yours kick off, and believe me they will do at some point.

[uneeque]

Shawna I know how you feel but as long as you have friends and family lined up to help prior to getting pregnant everything will work out but you will have those bad days but DO NOT let your disability determine your life wants and goals. If you need someone to talk to email me and I'll give you my #![/size][/size][/size]

shawzfun, on 29 October 2010 - 05:34 PM, said:

Im a C5 quad since Nov 2006, about to hit my 4 yr aniversery. For the past 4 yrs Ive been dead set on NOT having a baby. I just felt that its too much pressure for my bf,who takes care of me and a baby. He has told me that if I want one he doesnt care. My concern is not the pregnancy but for the first year after the babys born. I have a friend that will help during the day.... I just dont kno what todo......

ShAwNa

I live in Lansing, MI.

Tortfeasors, on 20 December 2009 - 11:46 PM, said:

uneeque, on Aug 19 2009, 04:19 PM, said:

I just recently found out that I'm around 2 months pregnant and I'm a Quadriplegic. I would like to hear from other pregnant and disable parents to answer questions and just to talk.

I'm loaded with questions.....

congrats
whereabouts in MI are you?

My body with its many weird issues couldn't handle the physical stress of pregnancy, but I am a big supporter of women with disabilities having babies. And, I'm in MI, so I thought I'd drop a line to congratulate you

I live in Lansing, MI.

Tortfeasors, on 20 December 2009 - 11:46 PM, said:

uneeque, on Aug 19 2009, 04:19 PM, said:

I just recently found out that I'm around 2 months pregnant and I'm a Quadriplegic. I would like to hear from other pregnant and disable parents to answer questions and just to talk.

I'm loaded with questions.....

congrats
whereabouts in MI are you?

My body with its many weird issues couldn't handle the physical stress of pregnancy, but I am a big supporter of women with disabilities having babies. And, I'm in MI, so I thought I'd drop a line to congratulate you

[size="5"][font="Tahoma"][font][size]Thank you EVERYONE for your responses! I finally had a baby boy 2-23-2010 whom is a year old now. When I orginally posted this question I did not expect so many feedback! Well my pregnancy was GREAT I had no complications, no morning sickness, I was just tired a whole lot and slept a lot. I had my son by c-section but the upperdural did something to my back causing a lot of spasms. About six months later they found fluid just below my tale bone in which they withdrew ever since then I have been 80% spasm free and I'm enjoying watching my baby boy grow! Hopefully in about two years my husband and I are going to try to have a healthy baby girl but we will be happy with whatever the Lord blesses us with!

The Black Sheep, on 30 October 2010 - 03:10 PM, said:

Oh boy, I'm starting to hit the age where I'm thinking about children. I've always used the excuse that I don't want them or wouldn't be able to care for one because of my injury. I have no idea how you girls do it. I'm 25 now and my husband is dead set on NOT having kids, but... I'm starting to want one.

I'm sorry that I can't offer much advice in this area, but Congratulations! Some of the mothers here have discussed parenting and birthing in various threads, and they're some of the most encouraging. Good luck and congrats!

[uneeque]

Thank you EVERYONE for your responses! I finally had a baby boy 2-23-2010 whom is a year old now. When I orginally posted this question I did not expect so many feedback! Well my pregnancy was GREAT I had no complications, no morning sickness, I was just tired a whole lot and slept a lot. I had my son by c-section but the upper dural did something to my back causing a lot of spasms. About six months later they found fluid just below my tale bone in which they withdrew ever since then I have been 80% spasm free and I'm enjoying watching my baby boy grow! Hopefully in about two years my husband and I are going to try to have a healthy baby girl but we will be happy with whatever the Lord blesses us with!

To answer one questions I live in Lansing, MI.

[roo]

glad to hear all is sound & well ,,,only 1 more year to go before the son reaches the dreaded two { all fun }

best regards
roo

[cassneedsadvice]

motherdear, on 29 September 2010 - 09:26 PM, said:

I had my son at age 27 as a C-5 quadriplegic. I've been injured since I was 13 years old and having him was my dream come true! My husband and I tried having another child naturally (but to no avail) and we were blessed through adoption with a second son who is now 13 years old. I also have 3 stepsons and a totally wonderful three-year-old grandson who has down syndrome. I love all my boys! I'd love to share my pregnancy and/or my adoption story with anyone who would like to hear it.

I'm not pregnant but I would love to hear your story. I also a became quad at 13.